Window-light frame



9 1927' w. J. BbSSEMEYER WINDOW LIGHT FRAME Filed Oct. 24, 1923 2Sheets-Sheet 1 gnuenl'oz Quota: 4

Aug. 9 1927. 1,638,284

w. J. BOSSEM EYER WINDOW LIGHT FRAME Filed oct. 24, 1923 Sheets-Sheet 2Patented Aug. 9, 1927.

' UNITED STATES \VILLIAM J. BOSSEMEYER, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

WINDOW-LIGHT FRAME.

Application filed October 24,1923. Serial No. 6%,430.

This invention relates to window light frames for V automobile tops. Ithas an especial reference to the rear lights that are ordinarilycontained in the back of an automobile top. v

lieretoiore it has been the general practice to make such window lightframes in th form of two castings, usually aluminum castings, then screwthe two frames together to pinch the top fabric and the glass betweenthe frames. I

This type of construction is well enough adapted. for a top which has nolining. However, with the high grade cars it.has long been customary toline the top and some of the moderate class of car are coming to thisconstruction. It is the object of the present invention to provide a ghtframe construction for a lined top which is both cheap to construct,"mple to assemble, and effective in the service thatit gives.

This light frame is made up of a pluralityof sections in the form ofstampin s. It is not broadly new to use a stamped metal frame, but astamped metal frame is highly impractical it involves an enormous amountof waste in the punching operation. A sectional frame such as mine madeup of a plurality of sections properly united together permits a cheapstamped frame to be achieved. and avoids the waste that is inherent instamping the frame units as an en tirety.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective of an automobile showing the lightframe in place.

Fig. 2 is a section taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a composite view showing how the several parts are assembled.

Fig. 4 is an elevation of one of the frames.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail view partly in elevation and partly insection.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail of one corner of a frame member.

7 is a section taken on the line 77 of Fig. 6. 1

There are two frame members a and 7), each forming a complete frame orsubstantial rectangle. Each frame member is made up of a plurality ofsections as shown in Fig. 4, where the frame member is shown as made upof 8 sections-two long side sections, two shorter. end sections and fourcorner sections. Each section has such a cross section as indicated inFig. 3, where it will be seen that the outer edge is turned over in asmall bead 0, while the inner is turned over in a large bead or trough(Z. The inter ening web is provided with a plurality V of punched-outpoints or prongs 6 upon which the cloth is adapted to be impaled, andthe point r projection turned over into a hoolr as shown at f in Fig. 3.The inner bead or trough (Z forms a spacer for holdingthe fabric inspaced relation when the same is doublebaclred over the frame and drawntaut, as clearly shown in Fig. 2.

The assembly made by impaling the This formsavery expeditious and at thesame time a very effective assembly of the two frames. The assembly ismade on the two webs of fabric before the same is atcached to the topso'it can be easily and quickly done. W hen the fabric is attached tothe top the clips are completely concealed and hidden between the twolayers of fabric.

The sectional construction of each frame is an important factor in:manufacturing economy. The straight runs offrame such as at the sidesand the ends can either be stamped or it would be possible to roll themin a continuous length on a rolling machine provided with suitable rollsand dies. The corner pieces, of course, would have tobe stamped, but onedie would serve to stamp all four corner pieces and it is possible toalter the size of the frame without'using but one'die. especially if theside members are rolled. Hence, the tool -equipment 1n making thelightframes accordmg to the different dimensions demanded by particular carmanufacturers 1s very small.

Preferably the corner members are pro vided with tongues or tenons 75adapted to fit between the walls of the beads so as to form a sort oftenon-and-groove engagement. These are then spot-welded or riveted asshown at m in Fig. 7. Holes 01 are also provided in the web of the framesection for the purpose of passing other fastening devices therethrough,if this is desired. A pronq'ed fastener or machine screw and nut couldbe used to clamp the two frames together in place of or in addition tothe .clips, or for fastening the fabric to the frame unit, in place ofor in addition to the points.

lVhat I claim is:

1. In a window light for automobile tops, a pair of frames provided eachwith means for impaling a separate piece of fabric thereto, and springmeans for clamping the two frames together, the fabric being turned overthe two frames for concealing the and the securing means.

2. In a window light for automobile tops, a pair of frames each providedwith means for securing a separate fabric thereto on the inside of theframe, and a plurality of spring clips for slipping over the outside ofthe frame members to clamp same together, the fabric being turned overthe frames to conceal same and the clips.

3. In a window light for automobile tops, the combination of a pair offrames comprising each a sheet metal construction provided withpunched-in points which can be turned over a fabric to secure a separatefabric to the inside of each frame, each of the frames being providedwith an outside bead, and spring clips that can be snapped over theoutside beads for clamping the two frames together.

41-. In a window light for automobile tops, the combination of a pair ofsheet metal frames, each provided with punched-in points over which maybe impaled a separate piece of fabric, and the points turned down tosecure the fabric to the frame memher, and means for clamping the outeredge of the two frame members together.

5. In a window light for automobile tops, :1 pair of sheet metalsectional frame members each provided on their inside with means forimpaling a piece of fabric thereto, and resilient and detachable clampsfor clamping the frame members together at their peripheral edge and tothe glass panel.

6. In a window light for automobile tops, a pair of sectional inside andoutside-beaded frame members each provided with means for securing apiece of fabric thereto, and a plurality of clips engaged over theoutside beads for clamping the frame members together.

7. In a window light for automobile tops, a pair of outside andinside-beaded frame members constructed of sheet metal and provided withmeans for impaling a piece of fabric on the frame member, and aplurality of clips for slipping over the outside beads of the frameswhen caused to register for securing the frames together and a panel ofglass between the frames.

8. In a window light for automobile tops, a pair of frames, means forsecuring a piece of fabric to each frame so'that the fabric may beturned over the frame to conceal the frame, and a spring clamp forengaging portions of the two frame members to hold them together andupon tlie glass, the said clamp being concealed under "the fabric whenthe fabric has been turned over the, frames.

In testimony whereof he has afiixed'his signature.

'WILLIAM J. BOSSEMEYER.

